Textile with Peonies and a PhoenixSatin-weave silk with needle looping and buttonhole-stitch embroidery (detail), China, Ming dynasty, 15th century
Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 5
November 26, 2019 (Tue) - February 16, 2020 (Sun)
In celebration of the Chinese New Year, we are displaying textiles decorated with auspicious patterns rich in history and tradition. Through the centuries, the people of China wished for good fortune such as wealth, prestige, the prosperity of one’s descendants, and harmony between husband and wife. They expressed these wishes visually through motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, various "treasures," and even bats, which are synonymous with "good fortune." They used these motifs in textiles, embroidering them onto clothing and other personal belongings to create a variety of auspicious patterns. Though they have ancient origins, these patterns are still adored and widely used today.
Current exhibit includes:
Embroidered Wall Hanging with Children, Qing dynasty, 18th–19th century
Textile with Peonies and a Phoenix, Satin-weave silk with needle looping and buttonhole-stitch embroidery, China, Ming dynasty, 15th century
Embroidered Women's Shoes for Bound Feet with Flowers and Bats, China, Qing dynasty, 19th century